The Skinny: Just Imagine It

A Primer in arts marketing

Conn job
Cyndi Conn (if I could dot the “i” with a smiley face or a heart, I would) has assumed the position of program director at Creative Santa Fe and its Imagined Futures initiative. And what better way to initiate this bold project than to redesign CSF’s website? CSF plans a series of lectures, panel discussions and conferences to “provide opportunities to investigate how culture influences the evolution of cities as complex, rapidly changing social, cultural, and physical systems.” Whew, this could be big. It appears that the City Different’s administration may really be serious about infusing some much-needed support for artists through the development of advocacy. This will include projects and spaces to allow cultural workers to make a living in the city beyond the highly competitive gallery dungeon. Or will it? Not enough information yet—most notably, where the money will come from and who will get it. And the “Your Ideas” link is “coming soon.” I will continue to watch with a hopeful and inspired yet skeptical eye. A suggestion: Let’s think about how this project can be inclusive of the broadest range of socio-economic groups, not just the chi-chi 1 percent. Visit creativesantafe.org to get initiated.

Just friends?
Want to make some real money in the art biz? Just follow the Friends of Contemporary Art’s financial model. The artist call for FOCA’s January 2013 exhibition Art on the Edge is likely to be so edgy that its preparations will take 10 months and its comes with a $50 entry fee (free for FOCA members). And as we all know too well, entry fees are nonrefundable. Plus, there will be just one juror for as many as 500 entrants, the majority of whom will be refused, as this show “will continue to focus on fewer artists with more fully developed bodies of work.” Those who are not “focused on” will likely be out 50 bucks. Slick idea, no? But if $50 is pocket change to you, check out FOCA’s website at nmartmuseum.org/artontheedge.

Free samples!
As you may know, the old College of Santa Fe is now the Santa Fe University of Art and Design, otherwise known as SFUAD (pronounced SFOO-ad). The college was bought by Laureate International Universities with some incentive from the city. LIU’s headquarters are located in Baltimore, Md., and it has dozens of colleges worldwide (the few that are in the US can be counted on one hand). SFUAD is an elite school whose yearly tuition rate is around $28,000. St. John’s College, also based in another city—Annapolis, Md.—is the only other four-year college in the city. Both are private. Get where I’m coming from? Luckily, five high school juniors and seniors can receive full scholarships for SFUAD’s upcoming Summer Theatre Intensive. Invited instructor William Westbrooks says, “Becoming a consummate music theater performer involves the development of three very distinct skills: singing, acting and dancing.” I suspect that high school students will be interested in consummating through other means. SFUAD being a corporate franchise, this program is likely the free sample meant to entice consumers to buy the product. With that in mind, contact Terri Ross at terri.ross@santafeuniversity.edu for further info.

WTF?
And WTF happened to Box Gallery? It was a staple in our daily recommended allowance of visual art, especially on Friday night openings. Probably something to do with Railyard rents. Any tidbits, dear reader? Alas, all things must pass. 

Editor's note: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that Laureate International Universities' headquarters were located in Beijing, China; in fact, they are located in Baltimore, Md. SFR regrets the error.

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